President's Updates

Preparation of this Strategic Plan provided us with an opportunity to consider and then articulate a shared understanding of the pillars that will support our work in the upcoming years. While we recognize that the pace of change makes long-range planning exceptionally difficult, these pillars provide the common language through which we will articulate our work.

Past Strategic Plans at Albion defined specific programs and called for detailed projects. We honor those plans and acknowledge their many positive outcomes. However, we are convinced that at this time we will be better served by a plan that allows us to remain nimble and responsive to developing ideas and partnerships. A flexible plan will serve us well because:

Creativity is visible on campus and in the community. We must resist the temptation to embrace a strategic plan that is overly prescriptive and tries to impose today's vision on a reality that is just coming into focus.

We are aligned on general goals. We must resist the temptation to narrow those goals in a manner that stifles collaboration and creativity.

There is a growing appreciation for the power of shared governance. We must tread carefully as we consider emerging pathways for implementing new plans.

Mauri Ditzler
Albion College President

More Connections, More Results

Last month I had the opportunity in New York and Washington to update our alumni and give broader presentations to industry colleagues and higher-ed media about the many recent projects we have going in partnership with the City of Albion.

Forging Ahead with Our Strategic Plan

To build an open, diverse, and inclusive community, we set the goal of reflecting national diversity on our campus, and the Class of 2021 came in on target. Not only is this the largest incoming class in many years, but also its students come from all over the country and all walks of life.

Presidential Statement

This is a special time for Albion College. Confidence continues to build on campus and in our community, even as colleges and towns like ours face imposing challenges. Our collective confidence comes from an emerging consensus on the path ahead. It comes from a renewed belief that a residential liberal arts college that has clear focus, creative energy, and innovative partnerships can accomplish anything.